Once your rotation has finished, your paddle should be taken out of the water quickly and cleanly. The blade should be lifted out sideways at around the position of your hips (or sooner). Your lower hand can now bend to 90 degrees lifting the blade out of the water to about shoulder level. At the same time your upper arm should straighten, ready for the next stroke.

Common mistakes include pulling the paddle too far back in order to lift it out of the water behind you. This causes you to lift water which is very tiring and slows the boat. If there is a lot of noise and splash at the end of your stroke,  it’s likely that you’re paddle is exiting the water too far back.

A good indication of an incorrect exit is:

• You’re getting very wet whilst paddling
• Your K2 partner (in the back) is getting very wet from your paddle stroke
• You’re getting fellow paddlers paddling next to you very wet whilst paddling – it’s likely they’ll give you feedback on this!